Tops in Lexington - June 2018

Johanna Ellison, Taft McKinstry and Susan Kennedy of Fowler Bell 300 West Vine St. • Lexington 859.252.6700• FowlerLaw.com

Fowler Bell’s female attorneys, Johanna Ellison, Taft McKinstry and Susan Kennedy, are inspired by the pursuit of excellence to meet the needs of their clients and business clients. These three female attorneys recognize that it is not only a privilege, but also a pleasure to meet the challenges and solve problems for people; be it Workers’ Compensation Defense Law; Bankruptcy Law such as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing or a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Commercial Transaction, or Commercial Litigation; or Family Law matters such as divorce or custody and time-sharing family matters.

Fowler Bell PLLC, as it is currently known, was formed in 1897 as Breathitt & Fowler. Today the firm is a respected leader in commercial, bankruptcy and litigation law known for finding practical solutions to complex matters through “person to person” legal services. The firm has evolved into a premier law firm in bankruptcy and creditors’ rights due in part to the current leadership, tenacity, and professionalism of Taft McKinstry the current Managing Member.

“Fowler Bell PLLC hired me for the position of attorney in 1972 when, to my knowledge, I became the fifth female to practice law in Fayette County,” says Taft. “In 1972, ‘women were not supposed to be attorneys.’ Fowler Bell gave me the opportunity to prove otherwise.”

All three of Fowler Bell’s female attorneys agree that avoiding over-scheduling, and getting enough rest and sleep, are challenges for both working women and men today.

“I make time in my schedule for work and personal life because I want to,” says Johanna. “My legal career makes me proud, but that’s not the only important facet of my life.

I want my children to see that their mom is hard-working and a family plus career is possible. I also want them to remember that I was, and I am, there for them. Having that goal in my mind makes balance easier.”

Susan, the firm’s family law attorney, didn’t realize how much her work inspired her until some health issues required her to take some time off.

“Sometimes you don’t realize how much you enjoy what you do until you can’t do it,” Susan says. “Taft inspires all of us at the firm to be our best. She has been a strong woman in the legal community who has led the way for the rest of us. I am also inspired and amazed by the younger women attorneys, like Johanna Ellison—their energy helps give me energy!”

Taft, who paved the way for female attorneys in Fayette County more than 40 years ago, passes this advice along: “Be professional at all times, so dress professional, act professional, and form a network of other professionals in your chosen field as a basis for brainstorming and referrals.

Get out there and get to be known.”

Sponsored Content | TOPS Magazine | June 2018

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